Miguel Ángel Blanco: 48 Hours That Changed Everything, a Spanish documentary directed by Jon Sistiaga and Juanjo López Lorenzo, lands on Netflix on July 10, 2026. The film revisits the two July days in 1997 when Spain mobilized to prevent the assassination of Miguel Ángel Blanco, a young municipal councilor of Ermua who was abducted by ETA.
Miguel Ángel Blanco: The 48 Hours That Changed Everything
Documentary film | 2026
Available on Netflix on July 10, 2026
Documentary, contemporary history, terrorism
By Jon Sistiaga and Juanjo López Lorenzo
Original title: Miguel Ángel Blanco: Las 48 horas que lo cambiaron todo
Country of origin: Spain
The documentary traces the 48 hours in which the country held its breath, between citizen mobilization, calls for the release of Miguel Ángel Blanco, and the wait for an outcome that left a lasting mark on Spain. The film places this tragedy in the broader context of the fight against ETA and the pervasive fear that gripped a portion of Basque society.
Miguel Ángel Blanco, a 29-year-old municipal councilor for the People’s Party in Ermua, was kidnapped and killed by the Basque separatist group ETA in July 1997. Netflix frames this documentary as the story of a turning point, a moment when a surge of solidarity and compassion helped reshape how Spanish and Basque society viewed ETA violence.
The project is led by Jon Sistiaga and Juanjo López Lorenzo. Spanish media say the documentary revisits, in particular, the social and political fallout from the kidnapping and murder of Miguel Ángel Blanco, almost thirty years after the events.
The trailer spotlights a documentary reframe of those two days, weaving in archival footage and firsthand accounts tied to the event. As reported in Spain, the film also features several public figures, including King Felipe VI, who was Prince of Asturias at the time.
Miguel Ángel Blanco: 48 Hours That Changed Everything may appeal to Netflix subscribers who follow weighty historical and political documentaries and true‑story narratives that shook a society. The film isn’t really for viewers looking for a light documentary or pure fiction.
To go further, also check out our picks for Netflix July releases, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today’s streaming pick: what to watch today.
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